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Positive Highlights:
- Exceptional mechanical energy absorption of 93% (Int Wound J, 2025), signifies superior protection.
- Significant FEAE improvement from 30–45% to 93% compared to ALLEVYN LIFE, indicating enhanced frictional energy absorption.
- Robust validation through peer-reviewed publication in International Wound Journal, 2025, reinforces credibility.
- Strategic US market launch planned for later in 2025 with a global rollout through 2026, establishing a clear commercial pathway.
- Economic impact highlighted with a citation of pressure injury costs exceeding $26.8 billion annually in the US, emphasizing the unmet needs.
Insights
New data robustly demonstrates the enhanced protective capabilities of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing, absorbing 93% of mechanical energy and offering improved defense against pressure injuries, a significant advancement in wound care technology.
The published study provides a comprehensive analysis of the dressing’s mechanism of action: its ability to absorb and dissipate shear and frictional energy internally. Using Frictional Energy Absorber Effectiveness (FEAE) and Finite Element Modelling (FEM), the study quantified the dressing’s performance. It showed a conversion of 93% of mechanical energy into internal layers within the dressing, a substantial improvement over the prior ALLEVYN LIFE product’s 30–45% conversion rate. Industry analysts suggest this improvement stems from enhanced material science and a refined layering structure within the new dressing.
Why it matters: By mitigating shear and frictional energy at the skin–device interface, Smith+Nephew directly addresses a primary mechanical cause of pressure injuries. The company estimates this clinical burden costs the US over $26.8 billion annually. This data presents clinicians with a tangible, device-level mechanism that can be rigorously evaluated against other prevention strategies. The heightened FEAE rating also positions ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE as a potentially disruptive force in the advanced wound care market, potentially siphoning market share from competing products with lower energy absorption capabilities. Reimbursement rates and adoption by major hospital systems will be key determinants of its commercial success.
Smith+Nephew’s strategic rollout plan includes a US launch later in 2025, followed by wider market entries through 2026. This timeline provides a clear milestone for investors and industry observers to monitor as an indicator of market traction.
10/03/2025 – 11:53 AM
Smith+Nephew (NYSE:SNN; LSE:SN), the global medical technology business, is pleased to announce exciting new data from Professor Amit Gefen and his research group published in the International Wound Journal,1 demonstrating the pressure injury prevention mechanism of action of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Foam Dressing and its ability to absorb and dissipate friction and shear forces.
Pressure injuries are localized damage to the skin or underlying tissue, resulting from prolonged exposure to pressure in combination with shear forces.2 This landmark study demonstrates that the new ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Foam Dressing absorbs 93% of mechanical energy into its internal layers. The study shows that the dressing absorbs and dissipates shear forces internally and layer-to-layer frictional sliding within the dressing. This mechanism of action can significantly help reduce the harmful stress concentrations that are known to cause pressure injuries, a clinical burden which costs the US healthcare system over $26.8 billion every year.3
By using both Frictional Energy Absorber Effectiveness (FEAE) and Finite Element Modelling (FEM), the results confirmed the mechanism of action of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing in mitigating mechanical loading and protecting underlying soft tissue. These methodologies represent best practices in evaluating wound care dressing performance, offering a robust scientific foundation for the product’s claims.
“These findings represent a significant step forward in pressure injury prevention,” said Amit Gefen, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Tel Aviv University. “ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing’s advanced biomechanical performance dissipates potentially harmful shear forces, which can help protect patients from factors that contribute to pressure injuries.” Further research is expected to explore the optimal application protocols for the dressing in various clinical settings, enhancing its preventative effectiveness.
”Pressure injuries are a complex and costly challenge, placing a heavy burden on both patients and healthcare systems,” said Rohit Kashyap, President, Advanced Wound Management at Smith+Nephew. “This publication showcases the distinct mechanism of action of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Foam Dressing and its ability to dissipate shear forces, helping to protect more patients from the harm of pressure injuries.” Smith+Nephew’s investment in this novel technology demonstrates its commitment to innovating within the advanced wound care space.
ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing will be launched into the US advanced wound care market later in the year, followed by subsequent markets throughout 2026, and is indicated for the management of a range of wounds and pressure injury prevention. Building on the successful mechanism of action principles originally established by ALLEVYN LIFE Dressing,4 the new ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Foam Dressing demonstrated an increased Frictional Energy Absorber Effectiveness, up from 30%-45% to 93%. This improvement demonstrates significant advancements in material science and engineering.
References
- Orlova D, Orlov A, Gefen A. The Protective Efficacy of a New Soft Silicone Multi-Layer Dressing in Reducing the Heel Pressure Ulcer Risk. Int Wound J. 2025;22(10):e70764.
- National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance. Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Definition and Etiology. In: Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline. The International Guideline: Fourth Edition. Emily Haesler (Ed.). 2025. [cited: 3rd October 2025]. Available from: https://internationalguideline.com.
- Padula W V., & Delarmente, B. A. (2019). The national cost of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in the United States. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 27(3), 329–335 WV, Delarmente BA. The national cost of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in the United States. Int Wound J. 2019;16(3):634-640..
- Marché C, Creehan S, Gefen A. The
frictional energy absorber effectiveness and its impact on the pressure
ulcer prevention performance of multilayer dressings. Int Wound J.
2024;21(4):e14871.
– Ends –
FAQ
What is the key announcement from Smith+Nephew (SNN) regarding ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE?
Smith+Nephew announced in International Wound Journal data that ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE dressings absorb 93% of mechanical energy, significantly reducing shear forces.
How does the Frictional Energy Absorber Effectiveness (FEAE) of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE compare to ALLEVYN LIFE?
The FEAE increased from 30–45% with ALLEVYN LIFE to 93% with ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE, marking a substantial improvement.
When is Smith+Nephew (SNN) planning to launch ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE in the United States?
The public relations statement indicates that the product launch is scheduled for the US later in 2025, with a global rollout to follow.
What methodologies were used to support the findings regarding ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE?
The study applied Frictional Energy Absorber Effectiveness (FEAE) testing combined with Finite Element Modelling (FEM) analysis.
What is the estimated annual economic impact of pressure injuries in the United States, according to Smith+Nephew?
Smith+Nephew cites an annual cost to the US healthcare system exceeding $26.8 billion due to pressure injuries.
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